Traditional Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 5 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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There's nothing quite like the smell of a slow-roasted pork shoulder wafting through your home. This recipe is all about simple ingredients and letting time do the hard work, resulting in tender, flavorful pork that's perfect for cozy gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients for Traditional Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder: This cut is ideal for slow roasting due to its marbling, which turns into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with low and slow cooking.

Kosher salt and black pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the pork.

Olive oil: Used for searing the pork, which locks in flavor and gives a beautiful golden crust.

Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth to the dish. Minced garlic infuses the pork with subtle heat and earthiness.

Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs provide a woodsy, aromatic element that complements the richness of the pork.

Chicken stock: Keeps the pork moist during roasting and contributes to a flavorful base for the dish.

Onions, carrots, and apple: The vegetables and apple add sweetness and balance out the savory flavors, while also providing a delicious side.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight with the salt, pepper, and herbs before roasting.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 190°F for optimal tenderness.
  • Letting the pork rest is crucial — don’t skip it! It helps lock in all those juices.

Serving Suggestions

Consider serving this slow-roasted pork shoulder with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It also pairs beautifully with a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For sandwiches, pile the shredded pork onto crusty rolls with a drizzle of the pan juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt or Boston butt are great alternatives as they have similar marbling and work well with slow roasting.
What if my pork shoulder is smaller or larger than 5 pounds?
Adjust the roasting time accordingly. Generally, allow about 1 hour of cooking per pound of pork.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After searing the pork, place it and the other ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Traditional Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is crucial for breaking down the pork's connective tissues, resulting in tender meat.

Generously season your pork shoulder with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure it's evenly coated on all sides — this is your foundation of flavor.

In a large roasting pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the pork shoulder in the pan and sear it on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Look for a nice golden-brown color; this searing step locks in flavor.

Once seared, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside momentarily. Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan drippings and sauté them for just a minute. This step is all about waking up those aromatic oils in the herbs and garlic.

Next, pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all those flavorful brown bits — they’re going to enhance the sauce that forms during roasting.

Return the pork to the pan, nestling it among the onions, carrots, and apple. These will roast alongside the pork, soaking up all the delicious juices.

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to lock in moisture. Now, place it in the preheated oven and let it roast away for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pork is fork-tender and falls apart easily.

Once out of the oven, allow the pork to rest for about 20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat. After resting, shred the pork and serve it with the roasted vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal hands-on time — let the oven do most of the work!
  • Uses pantry staples for a comforting, homestyle flavor.
  • Perfectly tender pork that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Versatile — great for sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty main dish.

Ingredients

1 pork shoulder (approximately 5 lbs)
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 cup chicken stock
2 onions, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
1 apple, cored and quartered

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper, ensuring it's evenly coated.
3. In a large roasting pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes total.
4. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside. Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the drippings in the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken stock to the pan and deglaze by scraping up any brown bits.
6. Return the pork to the pan, add onions, carrots, and apple around it.
7. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
9. Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before shredding and serving with the roasted vegetables.

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